Youth Pitching Baseball

By Steven Ellis, former Chicago Cubs pitching pro

Youth baseball pitching is a very important part of youth baseball. At around the age of nine, young players begin to learn how to pitch. This is a very different time for these players, as they are used to coach pitching or even T-Ball.

When a player is first learning how to pitch, it is important to teach them only the basics. Avoid getting too complex with them. Instead, show them only the most important aspects of the pitching motion.

The key to success with youth pitchers is accuracy. If a young pitcher can throw strikes, he will usually be very successful. At the younger ages, most pitchers walk many hitters in a game, however most of these hitters can't hit very well. If a pitcher can throw the ball for a strike, chances are he will do well.

Younger pitchers should not be throwing off-speed pitches. They should be working on their fastball command until they get older. Once they reach the age of 11 or 12 they can start learning the changeup. A curveball should only be learned when their arm is fully developed, usually not until they are 17 or 18.

A common misconception is that velocity is the most important aspect of youth pitching. While it is important, it is not as important as having good command of the strike zone. A pitcher needs to be able to throw strikes, and at the younger ages, a strike throwing pitcher will be very successful.

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